January 5, 2026
The Athletics have signed catcher
Brian Serven to a minor-league contract. Serven spent the entire 2025 campaign with the Detroit Tigers. While he never reached the major leagues, he logged 62 games with Triple-A Toledo, where he posted a .232/.335/.313 slash line with a modest .648 OPS. He hit just seven doubles with three round-trippers. He made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Rockies and spent two seasons with them before moving to Toronto. Through 101 MLB contests, the former fifth-round pick has held a low .187/.247/.293 line with only six long balls. Given that the Arizona State product has not spent time in the majors since the 2024 campaign, he will likely open the 2026 season in the minor leagues with Triple-A Las Vegas.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
January 5, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (illness) has been upgraded to probable for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. Niederhauser was considered questionable due to an illness, but it appears the 22-year-old will likely be good to go for this evening's matchup. He likely won't factor into fantasy this evening if he gets the green light to suit up, as he's averaging 8.8 minutes per contest across his first campaign in the NBA.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 5, 2026
The Kansas City Royals have signed catcher
Jorge Alfaro to a minor-league contract, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. Alfaro spent the 2025 season with the Nationals. Through 14 games, Alfaro held a .256/.256/.308 line with just two extra-base hits and one stolen base. He spent the majority of the season in the minor leagues with the Nashville Sounds. The veteran backstop spent most of his MLB career with the Marlins. Through three seasons in Miami (2019 through 2021), Alfaro held a .252/.298/.386 line through 253 games with the Marlins. Fantasy managers should expect Alfaro to continue to remain in the minor leagues to open the 2026 season, as the Royals have longtime backstop
Salvador Perez with budding star
Carter Jensen sitting in the No. 2 role.
--Andy SmithSource: Aram Leighton
January 5, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
Kon Knueppel (hip) has been upgraded to probable for Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It looks more like the 20-year-old rookie will suit up after he was listed as questionable earlier. Knueppel is having an excellent rookie campaign, posting averages of 19.4 points, 3.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds across 19.4 minutes per contest across 34 appearances. Fantasy managers should check on Knueppel's status closer to tip-off, 8:00 p.m. ET.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
January 5, 2026
According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, the New York Mets have signed second baseman
Christian Arroyo to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Arroyo began his professional career by being selected as the 25th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants. The infielder would not make his MLB debut until the 2017 campaign with the Giants. Following short stints in San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland, Arroyo would enjoy a four-year run with the Red Sox. In 2021 and 2022, Arroyo held an overall .277/.323/.426 line. Over the past two seasons, he has spent his time in the minor leagues, with his latest stint being with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Arroyo will face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster, given that he has spent the past two campaigns away from the big leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Puma
January 5, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (illness) will be a game-time call on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. The young defensive star missed Monday's practice due to illness. Schaefer has enjoyed a good rookie campaign, recently becoming the first defenseman in NHL history to record two multi-goal games as an 18-year-old. Overall, he has managed 12 goals and 28 points in 42 appearances, adding 58 blocks on the defensive end. Adam Boqvist will likely replace Schaefer in the lineup on Tuesday if he doesn't feel better in 24 hours.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 5, 2026
Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn (face) will be out for at least two games. Benn took a bad fall during Sunday's defeat to the Montreal Canadiens and received stitches for his nose. On Monday, Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan indicated that Benn won't be available for an upcoming back-to-back against the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals. However, the Stars captain may be ready to return later this week for the West Coast portion of the team's six-game road trip. Colin Blackwell is on track to join the lineup on Tuesday against Carolina, while Adam Erne is expected to replace Benn on the third line.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 5, 2026
Right-handed pitcher
George Soriano has been designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles on Monday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Orioles claimed outfielder
Jhonkensy Noel from the Cleveland Guardians off waivers. Soriano was claimed by the Orioles earlier in the offseason but will now return to waivers. The 26-year-old has spent his first three MLB campaigns with the Miami Marlins. He has been played primarily as a reliever, as he has made just one start in his career. In 2025, Soriano tallied one save (the third of his career) and logged 36 2/3 innings to the tune of a high 8.35 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a low 20.8% rate and showed weak command, allowing walks at a high 11.0% rate. If he goes unclaimed, Soriano will likely begin the campaign at Triple-A Norfolk.
--Andy SmithSource: Baltimore Orioles
January 5, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder
Jhonkensy Noel off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have designated right-handed pitcher
George Soriano for assignment. Noel has spent his entire MLB career in Cleveland. He made his debut during the 2024 campaign and immediately flashed power upside, hitting 13 long balls with a .486 SLG across 67 games. The following season, Noel would take a massive step back, hitting just six home runs with a .297 SLG across a slightly higher 69-game sample. Under the hood, he carried a .203 xwOBA with a .283 xSLG, suggesting he did not generate quality contact. Through 268 career games at the Triple-A level, Noel has held a .250/.323/.473 line. Managers should expect Noel to likely spend most of the 2026 season with the Norfolk Tides, given his struggles in the majors last summer.
--Andy SmithSource: Baltimore Orioles
January 5, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (upper body) is out week-to-week. He missed Sunday's 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche after sustaining an upper-body injury on Friday night in the 2026 Winter Classic matchup against the New York Rangers. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice expects Jones to return to action before the Olympic break. Jones has done fine work for the Panthers in 2025-26, recording 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), 78 shots, 47 blocks, and 38 hits in 40 outings. On Sunday, Donovan Sebrango took Jones' spot in the lineup, with Uvis Balinskis moving to the second defensive pairing. Jones' absence has also led to increased power-play opportunities for Aaron Ekblad and Jeff Petry.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 5, 2026
According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors due to right-shoulder soreness. As a late addition to the Clippers' injury report, the 36-year-old will likely sit out during tonight's tilt. If Harden is unable to suit up,
Kris Dunn will likely take primary ball-handling duties this evening. Dunn, in his last outing, finished with 10 points, six assists, and four rebounds across 30 minutes on Saturday against the Celtics.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Law Murray
January 5, 2026
According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher
Paxton Schultz for assignment. This transaction opens a spot on the roster for infielder Kazuma Okamoto, whom the team officially signed earlier on Monday. Okamoto inked a four-year $60 million contract with the Blue Jays on Saturday. Schultz made his MLB debut during the 2025 campaign with the Blue Jays. During his brief stint in the big leagues, the right-hander posted a 4.38 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 24 2/3 innings of work. He flashed decent strikeout upside, tallying 28, and served up only eight free passes. At Triple-A, he held a solid 3.31 ERA with a 46:17 K:BB across 49 frames. Schultz will likely open the season at Triple-A Buffalo if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
--Andy SmithSource: Mitch Bannon
January 5, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (lower body) will sit out Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Kings. The veteran blue-liner took a shot to his foot on Saturday against the Kings and will miss at least one game. Unfortunately, Bogosian has had trouble with injuries all season, making only 23 appearances. He has registered four points (one goal, three assists), 20 shots, 20 blocks, and 20 hits with a plus-four rating. Matt Kiersted is projected to fill Bogosian's spot on the third defensive pairing on Monday. So far this season, Kiersted has appeared in only three games and holds no fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 5, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Embiid is likely to suit up for his fourth consecutive contest this evening. The star big man is starting to return to form after struggling to begin the 2025 season, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists across 33 minutes during Saturday's 130-119 win over the Knicks in his last outing. Fantasy managers should have a better idea if Embiid is good to go closer to tip-off.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 5, 2026
Los Angeles Kings winger Trevor Moore (illness) will miss a third consecutive game on Monday against the Minnesota Wild, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports. Last week, the 30-year-old landed on the shelf due to illness. Jeff Malott has filled in for Moore in the lineup, while Joel Armia has skated on the second line. Despite seeing increased ice time over the past two games, Armia has not made an impact on the offensive end, going scoreless with four shots on goal. Moore's next opportunity to return will come on Wednesday night against the San Jose Sharks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Zach Dooley
January 5, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas (lower body) is a game-time decision for Monday's tilt against the Anaheim Ducks. The Belarusian forward has a chance to return from a one-game absence. On Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks, a lower-body injury kept Protas sidelined for the first time this season. Protas has enjoyed red-hot form recently, logging points in each of his last five appearances, scoring four goals and delivering five assists. He boasts 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 41 appearances for the campaign. The Capitals would certainly welcome Protas' return, especially with top scorer Tom Wilson (lower body) sidelined on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 5, 2026
According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN, Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is completing an "intensive rehab and strengthening" program and will be re-evaluated in a week. Poeltl has missed six consecutive contests due to a back issue. The injury has limited the 30-year-old big man to 21 games this campaign. When Poelt has been active, he's averaged 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 25.3 minutes per contest.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has been productive fantasy-wise and should remain an asset for fantasy managers while Poeltl is sidelined.
--Andrew LennoxSource: https://x.com/JLew1050/status/2005758173538574679
January 5, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) is day-to-day and won't play on Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks. The power forward must sit out at least one game due to a lower-body injury he sustained during Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Blackhawks. Wilson leads the Capitals in goals (22), points (42), and hits (110) this season, averaging at least a point per game for the first time in his career. With Wilson out, Anthony Beauvillier and Connor McMichael may see increased ice time on Monday. Wilson's first chance to return will be on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 5, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) won't suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Murray has been dealing with a left ankle sprain and will miss his second game of the season. He was able to play through the ankle injury during Sunday's 127-115 loss to the Nets, posting 27 points, 16 assists, and six rebounds across 40 minutes. Sunday's contest is the second half of a back-to-back set, so the Nuggets don't want to take any chances on possibly making the injury worse. The 28-year-old could return on Wednesday versus the Celtics.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 5, 2026
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward (head) is considering retirement due to debilitating migraine headaches, according to Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star. Ward suffered a concussion in the Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and ended up missing the final four games of the season as a result. It was the 29-year-old's third concussion of the year, prompting him to consider his future going into the offseason. In total, Ward missed 10 games in 2025 due to his concussions. "If I walk away, I won't regret it," Ward said. He finished with only 25 tackles (17 solo), seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in his eight starts in his first year in Indy. Over eight NFL seasons, Ward has a total of 460 tackles (338 solo), one sack, 10 interceptions, 77 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 109 regular-season games (96 starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: Indianapolis Star - Nathan Brown
January 5, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (knee) will undergo an MRI exam on Monday, according to head coach Sean McVay. Whittington injured his knee in Sunday's Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the regular-season finale and was unable to return. The 25-year-old pass-catcher was not targeted at all before getting injured, and he doesn't have more than one catch in a game since Nov. 23 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he caught all three of his targets for 17 yards. Even if Whittington's knee injury ends up being minor and he's able to play on Wild-Card weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, he won't be a realistic DFS play with Davante Adames (hamstring) expected to return to the lineup. In 17 games in 2025, Whittington caught just 18 passes for 171 yards and no touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein
January 5, 2026
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy (neck) "checked out good" after suffering a stinger on the final play of the game on Saturday night in the Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and should be full-go for Wild-Card weekend on Sunday versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he expects Purdy to practice in full this week and play on Sunday in Philly. The 26-year-old finished the year strong for his fantasy managers with 11 touchdown passes and just two interceptions in Weeks 15-18, but he was shut down by Seattle last weekend and threw for just 127 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Purdy played in only nine games in 2025 due to a turf-toe injury, but he was incredibly efficient when on the field. He'll have another tough challenge on his hands in the first round of the playoffs against an Eagles defense that allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs over the final five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
January 5, 2026
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee) aggravated his PCL injury last week, which is why he was inactive for the Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night despite practicing all week before the game, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. The 25-year-old former first-rounder is also dealing with an ankle sprain, which makes him questionable to play in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs this Sunday versus the hosting Philadelphia Eagles. When healthy, Pearsall is one of quarterback
Brock Purdy's top targets, but he's played in just nine games in 2025 due to injuries after playing in 11 games in his rookie campaign. If Pearsall misses a second straight game this weekend,
Jauan Jennings,
Demarcus Robinson, and
Kendrick Bourne would all be in line for more targets.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
January 5, 2026
When asked if he was hoping for a "fresh start," Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa said on Monday, "That would be dope. I would be good with it." Although Tagovailoa avoided another concussion this year, the 27-year-old former fifth overall pick struggled to take the next step for the Dolphins' offense in his sixth year in the NFL. Tagovailoa completed 67.7% of his 384 pass attempts for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in his 14 starts, a year after leading the league with a 72.9 completion percentage. After the Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention, the team benched Tagovailoa in favor of rookie
Quinn Ewers for the final two weeks of the season. As of right now, head coach Mike McDaniel has not been fired, and if he returns for next season, it's unlikely that Tagovailoa will join him in South Beach. Tagovailoa is owed $54 million guaranteed next year, but he could be released with a post-June 1 designation to split his $99.2 million salary cap charge over two seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
January 5, 2026
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has not made a decision regarding his 2026 status, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Simpson exhausted his third year of collegiate eligibility in 2025, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 and 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions. In the middle of his junior campaign, Simpson looked like a sure-fire early-first-round NFL Draft pick for 2026. However, he cooled off near the end of the first season as a starter. Thamel reports that Simpson's most likely option is to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but in today's NIL and transfer portal climate, you never know what can happen. Staying at Alabama or moving schools is in the realm of possibilities.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 5, 2026
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that he thinks quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) will want to run it back with the team in 2026, and that the team would like to have him back, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The Colts were well on their way to a playoff spot and were battling for the top seed in the AFC until Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old did more than enough for the Colts to want him back next year as their starting QB after he completed a career-best 68% of his 384 pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. Jones added 164 rushing yards and five TDs on the ground. Barring a setback with his rehab from an Achilles tear, Jones figures to be ready right around the start of training camp in late July.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
January 5, 2026
Transfer quarterback AJ Hill is following former Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas. ESPN's Pete Thamel reports Hill is committing to the Razorbacks early in the transfer portal window. Hill was a top-15 quarterback recruit in the Class of 2025, but he saw limited action for the Tigers as a true freshman. Backing up Brandon Lewis last year, Hill played in just two games, completing 19 of his 32 passing attempts for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Last year's starting quarterback at Arkansas, Taylen Green, is out of eligibility, so the QB1 role is up for grabs in Fayetteville. As a former big-time recruit with experience working with Silverfield, Hill is in a solid position to grab that role in 2026 as a redshirt sophomore.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 5, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf has rejoined the team following his two-game suspension in Weeks 17 and 18 for an altercation with a fan during the team's Week 16 contest in Detroit against the Lions. Pittsburgh's offense really struggled the final two weeks of the regular season, but they did just enough to beat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night to clinch the NFC North title and a spot in the postseason. Veterans
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and
Adam Thielen tried to help pick up the slack in the passing attack with Metcalf out, and it also helped that the Steelers got
Calvin Austin III back from an injury in Week 18. Metcalf's return will help the Steelers stretch the field, but he'll be a volatile DFS play during Wild-Card weekend against the Houston Texans and their top-ranked defense. In 15 regular-season games, Metcalf was tied for 25th among wideouts with 10.5 half-PPR points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
January 5, 2026
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray has multiple years remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2022, as pointed out by general manager Monti Ossenfort when asked about the future of his one-time franchise player. The Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon on Monday, and when asked how Murray might fit in with a new coach, Ossenfort said, "All options are on the table," and that those discussions would come at a later time. Both
Jacoby Brissett and
Kedon Slovis are also under contract heading into 2026, and the Cardinals have the third overall pick in April's Rookie Draft, so the team is not without options at the position. Figuring out the most important spot on the roster will be priority number one for whoever is hired as the next head coach, following another disappointing season in which Murray started only five games.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Dani Sureck
January 5, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have requested an interview with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their recently vacated head-coaching job, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Atlanta fired second-year head coach Raheem Morris on Monday after finishing the season on a four-game win streak. Kubiak, in his first year at the helm of Seattle's offense, has seen quarterback
Sam Darnold named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl. Meanwhile,
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's 1,793 receiving yards led all NFL receivers, and the Seahawks enter the playoffs as the NFC's number one seed. Kubiak has had previous stints as the Saints' offensive coordinator in 2024 and San Francisco's passing game coordinator in 2023, and he will likely be one of the hottest names in this year's hiring cycle.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Tom Pelissero
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